Ezkitz and Alkurruntz

The walk starts from the picnic area at the end of the Lizarmeaka pass (581 m). We immediately leave the tarmac road and take the track on the left that runs along the western slope of Alkurruntz through the forest. Further on, we arrive at a broad pass (818 m) facing the Aizkotz ridge. We then continue our walk along the track until we reach the plateau (745 m, large stone with a recently installed tap) located on the very gentle ridge line of the Alkurruntz massif, which we will now follow. We pass the summit of Atxuela (828 m) and the pass of the same name (Atxuelako lepoa, 795 m), then climb up to Larrondo Kaskoa (also called Olaberri on some maps, 854 m, 10:20 a.m.), where we take a short break. Further on, we reach the Iñaterri pass (748 m). Ahead of us stands the last hill. As we reach the summit ridge, we see a slab of stone on the left of the path, slightly inclined and set on a small mound. These are the remains of a dolmen. We reach the rocky summit of Ezkitz (also called Erkiza on some maps, 832 m). Another break, new views, particularly over the Baztan Valley. To descend, we make a small circular loop back to the pass via a path hidden in the ferns (GPS guidance required). The return journey is via the track on the western side of the ridge to the Larrondo pass, which we cross transversally. We then follow a path along the eastern side and stop for a picnic at the edge of a wood in a place called Arburu. After crossing the wood, we return to the Atxuela pass. Further on, on another plateau (745 m), we come to a three-way crossroads. We return along the track to the Zueta Pass (747 m) near the hunters' hut. We then reach the next pass (818 m) via the eastern flank of Aikotz. We then climb Alkurruntz (932 m). Magnificent 360° view. Back at the small pass, we follow the start of a track and then a path, higher up and parallel to the track we took on the way up, which crosses the western flank of Alkurruntz. We reach the northern ridge at two pretty little menhirs (755 m): these are the Artxubieta monoliths. Standing there since Neolithic times, they have probably served as geographical landmarks over the centuries. Discovered and published by Capuchin priest Francisco Ondarra, they were later studied by Xabier Peñalber (source: Jean-Paul Dugène). The path is now marked, and we descend along this ridge to reach the Orabidea road, then the area where we parked the cars.

Anglet Accueille hike (guide Richard)

Anglet Accueille hike (guide Richard)